Pre-Arrival

ARRANGING VISAS

Most international students wanting to study in Australia require a student visa. Some other visa holders are also eligible to study as international students in Australia. Many students apply for a visa themselves on-line or via the Australian Diplomatic Mission in their country. The visa application process may be complicated. Students from some countries find it easier to submit an application with an accredited agent because of their familiarity and experience in the field.

In order to apply for a visa you will need:

valid passport,

electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)

any other documentation. For example, if you are under 18 you may need to complete a CAAW form to ensure your accommodation and welfare.

You should allow enough time for processing your Visa and the start of your academic program. This process can take a long time depending on your country of origin.

Department of Immigrations and Border Protection

The Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection provides comprehensive information about student visa requirements and the application process, as well as application document checklists to assist you with your application.

As well as links from the DIBP website the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website http://www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html has a comprehensive list of Australian embassies, high commissions, consulates and representative offices around the world.

Education Agents

Education agents promote various Australian education programs and institutions internationally and are a good way for students to apply to study in Australia. Agents are experienced in making international student applications and applying for visas. Most speak both English and the local language so this makes the application process a lot simpler and generally hassle free for students and parents. Most do not charge for their service as they collect a commission from the institution you choose to attend. However, some agents do charge small amounts or offer additional services for which they charge.

Please Note: Although able to assist in completing education and visa applications, Education Agents are NOT licensed to provide migration advice.

Visa Conditions

If you are granted a visa, you must abide by its conditions. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the cancellation of your visa. These conditions include (but are not limited to):

ARRANGING TRAVEL

You will need to make your own travel arrangements to Australia. Please try to arrive at least 1-2 weeks before the start of your first class to allow enough time for settling-in, adjusting to the climate and overcoming jet-lag.

Documents

You should prepare a folder of official documents to bring with you to Australia, including:

If you are travelling with your family, you will need to include their documents as well. Keep all documents in your carry-on luggage. In case you lose the originals, make copies that can be left behind with family and sent to you.

What to Bring

Students are often surprised by how strict Australian Customs Services and quarantine can be. If you’re in doubt about whether your goods are prohibited or not, declare it anyway on the Incoming Passenger Card which you will receive on the plane. Students have received on the spot fines for not declaring items. Visit the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) homepage www.aqis.gov.au:

Read “What can’t I take into Australia?”

And also, let your family and friends know “What can’t be mailed to Australia?”

Baggage allowances flying into Australia will vary according to your carrier, flight class and country of origin. Please check with your carrier prior to departure. Economy passengers are generally permitted 1 x checked luggage (35kg) and 1 x carry-on (7kg) for international flights, but only 20kg of checked luggage on domestic flights within Australia. This will significantly limit the amount of things you can bring, especially if you will fly within Australia to get to your final destination. Therefore, it is essential to think the packing process through very carefully. You will be able to purchase most things upon arrival in Australia but the price may be higher than in your own country.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer in Australia is from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. For most of the country the hottest months are January and February.

If you arrive in June or July, the coldest months of the year, you may need to bring or buy winter clothing and blankets. You may also need to purchase a heating appliance once you arrive.

Clothing

At most Colleges, students usually dress informally. Jeans or slacks with t-shirts or blouses, sneakers or “running shoes” are almost standard dress. Shorts are often worn during the summer months and sandals are the most common footwear. It is acceptable for both men and women to wear shorts and sleeveless t-shirts. This is common during the hotter months.

A sports coat or suit and tie for men and appropriate dress for women is necessary for some functions such as formal dinners or a graduation ceremony. For festive occasions, you may want to bring traditional dress and accessories.

Most primary and secondary school students will be required to wear a school uniform to classes and other school activities. You should check with your education provider what is required for you to wear.

Other Items You Might Need to Include (most can also be purchased in Australia)

alarm clock

bath towels, bed sheets, pillow cases

dictionary (bilingual)

small sewing kit

music CDs or iPod

sporting equipment

toiletries

umbrella

scientific or graphics calculator

camera

micro recorder for lectures

spare spectacles or contact lenses

your optical prescription

photos of friends and family

swimming costume

small gifts from home

The standard voltage for electrical items in Australia is 240V. Electric plugs have three flat pins one of which is an earth pin. You may need to buy an adaptor or have the plugs changed when you arrive.

Note: In the picture, the red dot indicates that the switch is on and power is flowing through that socket.

Bringing Your Computer

Bringing a PC or laptop into Australia may be a little more complicated.

Items owned and used for more than 12 months prior to arrival are allowed in tax-free. Proof of the date of purchase and purchase price may be required. Computers which are less than 12 months old and over AUD$400 may attract Goods and Services tax (GST) at a rate of 10%. Consideration is given as to whether or not you intend to export the computer at the conclusion of your studies.

To satisfy the Customs Officer that you will be taking the computer out of Australia you should bring along a statutory declaration (a written declaration witnessed by the certifying authority in your country) stating that the computer is for use during your studies in Australia, and that you intend to take it back with you when you complete your studies. You may be required to give an undertaking under Section 162 to this effect and provide a cash security to Australia Customs upon arrival.

Mobile Phones & Laptops

If you are considering bringing a mobile phone, laptop, or any communication devices we suggest that you visit the Australian Communications and Media Authority www.acma.gov.au before making any purchases. Some students have brought in their own laptops with internal modems only to discover that they were unable to use their modem in Australia. Any external or built-in modems must be Austel Approved in order to function in Australia.

On Your Flight

Wear comfortable, layered clothing so that you are able to make adjustments according to the local weather. Remember – if you are flying from a northern hemisphere winter into the Australian summer it will be very HOT so wear light weight clothing underneath, and have a pair of sandals or lighter shoes in your hand luggage if you need cooler footwear. Alternatively, extra clothing may be required on-hand if flying into the Australian winter season.

Before landing in Australia passengers are given an Incoming Passenger Card to fill in. This is a legal document. You must tick YES if you are carrying any food, plant material including wooden souvenirs, or animal products. This includes fruit given to you during your flight. If you have items you don’t wish to declare, you can dispose of them in quarantine bins in the airport terminal. Don’t be afraid to ask airline staff if you have any questions.

If you are carrying more than AU$10,000 in cash, you must also declare this on your Incoming Passenger Card. It is strongly recommended however, that you do not carry large sums of cash but arrange for an electronic transfer of funds into your Australian bank account once it has been opened.

ENTRY INTO AUSTRALIA

Australian Immigration

When you first arrive in Australia you will be required to make your way through Australian Immigration (follow the signs for Arriving Passengers as you leave the plane). An Immigration Officer will ask to see your completed Incoming Passenger Card (given to you on the plane) along with your passport and student visa evidence. The Immigration Officer will check your documents and may ask you a few questions about your plans for your stay in Australia.

Baggage Claim

Once you have passed through the immigration checks you will move to baggage claim (follow the signs) and collect your luggage. Check that nothing is missing or damaged. If something is missing or damaged go to the Baggage Counter and advise them of your problem. Staff at the Baggage Counter will help you to find your belongings or lodge a claim for damage.

Detector Dogs

You may see a Quarantine Detector Dog at the baggage carousel or while waiting in line to pass through immigration, screening luggage for food, plant material or animal products. If you see a detector dog working close to you, please place your bags on the floor for inspection. These dogs are not dangerous to humans and are trained to detect odours. Sometimes a dog will sit next to your bag if it sniffs a target odour. Sometimes dogs will detect odours left from food you have had in the bag previously. A quarantine officer may ask about the contents of your bag and check you are not carrying items that present a quarantine risk to Australia.

Australian Customs and Quarantine

Once you have your luggage you will go through Customs. Be careful about what you bring into Australia. Some items you might bring from overseas can carry pests and diseases that Australia doesn’t have. You must declare ALL food, meat, fruit, plants, seeds, wooden souvenirs, animal or plant materials or their derivatives.

Australia has strict quarantine laws and tough on-the-spot fines. Every piece of luggage is now screened or x-rayed by quarantine officers, detector dog teams and x-ray machines. If you fail to declare or dispose of any quarantine items, or make a false declaration, you will get caught. In addition to on-the-spot fines, you could be prosecuted and fined more than AU$60,000 and risk 10 years in prison. All international mail is also screened.

Some products may require treatment to make them safe. Items that are restricted because of the risk of pests and disease will be seized and destroyed by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

For more detailed information about bringing in food, animals, plants, animal or plant materials or their derivatives visit www.aqis.gov.au .

Arrivals Hall

You will be able to leave the restricted area and enter the Arrivals Hall once you have cleared Customs. Here you will find a number of retail and food outlets along with public telephones, an information booth and money exchange facilities. If you arrive on a weekend, you may like to exchange money here as most banks are not open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Terminal 1 hosts the international flights to and from a number of countries around the world.

Terminal 2 hosts the domestic flights and international flights as well.

Terminal 3 hosts domestic flights. To transfer between the three terminals, you can use the underground Airport Link or the T-Bus service available for passengers.

Useful Information for Passengers

Telephone: +61 (02) 9667 9111

Fax: +61 (02) 9667 1592

Sydney Airport Executive Services: +61 (02) 9667 6534

Lost Property Issue: +61 (02) 9667 9583

Getting About Town

Transportation in Sydney is made possible through a system of ferries, buses, light rail and trains. The system transports commuters to and from the city; however, it is sometimes difficult to travel from place to place once in the city. Trains operate underground in the city but do not travel to all suburbs. You will need to purchase an OPAL card to travel on public transport. Using an Opal card is the easiest and most affordable way to travel in Sydney. You can get Adult and Child/Youth Opal cards and single trip tickets at airport train stations. To get other concession Opal cards, see ticket eligibility. For more information on Sydney transport call 13-1500 or visit Transport NSW website.

Train

There are rail stations located at both the International and Domestic Terminals.

The Domestic rail station is located directly between T2 and T3 Terminals and is accessible from within the terminals from the arrivals level.

The International rail station is located at the northern end of the terminal and is accessible from the arrivals level.

Travel to the City.

Airport Link is a fast and convenient way to reach the centre of Sydney. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes and the journey into the city takes only 13 minutes. The international and domestic rail stations link directly to the City Circle which means most city destinations are within a short walk of stations.

Travel to the Suburbs

Tickets can be purchased to all Sydney stations from the International and Domestic rail stations. Simply catch the train from the International or Domestic stations to Central station and change for all suburban services.

Travel between Terminals

Airport Link offers a $6.10 (one way, per person) transfer ticket for passengers transferring between T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic Terminals. The journey takes only 2 minutes and there are frequent services between 5am and midnight, 7 days a week. For more information visit www.airportlink.com.au

Public Buses

There are many bus services that operate to and from Sydney Airport – most of which require pre-booking. See the options below to determine which service best suits your needs.

Sydney buses

Sydney Buses has a timetabled service between Bondi Junction and Burwood with stops at both T1 International and T3 Domestic Terminals.

General Information about fares, timetables and connections to other parts of Sydney is available at www.sydneybuses.info.

Metropolitan and Regional suburb transfer

Many shuttle bus companies provide transport between the airport and most Sydney suburbs and regional areas. These buses need to be pre-booked. Check the yellow pages www.yellowpages.com.au under “Bus and Coach Services” for the service to and from your area.

Shuttle Buses

Terminal Transfer although linked by runways and aprons, Sydney Airport’s Domestic and International terminal buildings are located separately.

There are several options available for transfer between T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic Terminals, depending on your flight details and time allowance.

Approximate costs of transfer options are listed below, with links to other pages and websites for more information.

T – Bus is a shuttle bus service between T1 International and T2 Domestic Terminals. It is only a short walk between T2 and T3 Terminals. The journey takes up to 10 mins and operates frequently in the morning peak period, then half hourly until 8pm. The bus stops are on arrivals Levels, at T1 Bus Bay 21 near McDonalds, and at T2 Bus Bay 3 near baggage carousel 6. For more detailed information contact Carbridge on (+61 2) 9700 8844 or go to www.carbridge.com.au

The P-Bus is a free shuttle bus that operates continuously between the Remote Long Term Car Park and the Domestic Terminals only. The trip takes approximately 5 minutes and buses depart every 10-15 minutes.

Hotel transfer – Airport hotels only

Airport Hotels run Airport to Hotel to Airport, shuttle services at a minimal fee. Please check with your Hotel for timetable and costs.

Hotel transfer – Sydney CBD area

When making your accommodation reservations, check to see if there is a complimentary pick up/drop off service being offered.

Taxis

When the weather is dry, taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Taxis line up in most major points through the city, including Wynyard Station, Central Station, Chifley Square, the State Theatre and Elizabeth Bay. Booking Fee is approximately $2.20, flag fall is $3.30 and then $2.50 per km. You may also be liable for toll and ferry charges. Cabbies in Australia are known for their honesty and may help with your luggage. Do not forget to ask your cabbie where to visit in Sydney.

Sydney Taxis:

Legion Cabs: +61-2 13 1451 or +61-2 9289-9000

Premier Cabs: +61-2 13 1017 or +61-2 9897-4000

Taxis Combined Services: +61-2 13-1008 or +61-2 9332-8888

RSL Cabs: +61-2 13 1581 or +61-2 9699-0144

Wheelchair Taxis are available at: 1-800-043-187 or +61-2 9332-0200

Customers should be aware that there may be a surcharge for using a credit card to pay for taxis.

Keeping in Contact

Before you leave home, you should provide your family and friends, and TMT, with details of your flights to Australia and where you will be staying when you arrive. (Do not change these details without informing them.) Once you have arrived in Australia, you should then let your family and friends know that you have arrived safely. It is important to ALWAYS let someone know where you are and how to contact you by phone, email or by post.

ACCESSING MONEY

You should read this section carefully, and discuss the issues raised in this section with the bank or financial institution in your home country before you leave. All banks operate differently and you should be aware of all fees, charges, ease of access to your funds, and safety of the way in which you will access those funds.

How Much to Bring

You will need to make sure you have enough funds to support you when you first arrive. It is recommended that you have approximately AU$1500 to AU$2000 available for the first two to three weeks to pay for temporary accommodation and transport. You should bring most of this money as either Traveller’s Cheques or on an international credit card. Traveller’s cheques can be cashed at any bank or currency exchange in Australia.

Please note that it is not safe to bring large sums of money with you! Lost credit cards or traveller’s cheques can be replaced, but very few travel insurance companies will replace lost or stolen cash. Do not ask someone you have just met to handle your cash for you or to take your cash to make payments for you. Not even someone who may indicate they are studying at TMT.

Currency Exchange

Only Australian currency can be used in Australia. If you have not brought some with you, you will need to do so as soon as possible after arrival. You can do this at the airport. Once you have arrived in Sydney you can also change money at any bank or at currency exchanges.

Electronic Transfer

You can transfer money into Australia by electronic telegraph or telegraphic transfer at any time. This is a fast option and will take approximately 48 hours, but the bank will charge a fee on every transaction.

ATMs

Automatic Teller Machines are located everywhere (including at the airport) and you can immediately withdraw cash from your overseas bank account at ATMs displaying theCirrus Logo (if your ATM card has international access). Check this with your financial institution before leaving home.

Credit Cards

All major international credit cards are accepted in Australia but you must remember that repayments to many of these cards can only be made in the country where they were issued. Do not rely on being able to get a credit card once you arrive in Australia because this is very difficult due to credit and identification laws.

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION

Hotels, Motels & Backpackers

Generally, the price you pay for accommodation will determine its quality. However, it can be expensive to stay in a good quality motel or hotel for a long period of time. Backpacker accommodation is relatively inexpensive but you may need to bring your own pillow and sleeping bag if you choose this option.

If you know someone in Australia, this is a great way to settle-in to life here. Your friends or family can provide advice, support and encouragement in your first days in Australia. However, if you are under the age of 18 you must obtain approval from your education provider first.

Bringing My Family

Most student visas allow you to bring your family members to Australia as your dependants (check your individual circumstances with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship See: Arranging Visas). Family members include your spouse, and you and your spouse’s dependent children. Before bringing your spouse or children to Australia, you will have to prove that you can support them financially. The cost of supporting a family in Australia is very high. You may have to consider and discuss many issues with your family.

Issues to Consider

Rather than bringing your family together with you to Australia, some students may find it useful to arrive first, settle into studies, find appropriate accommodation, adjust to living in Australia and then arrange for their family to join them.

Before making a decision to bring your family to Australia it is important to consider the following issues:

The cost of airfares for your family to and from Australia;

Possible higher rent for a larger home;

Limited employment opportunities for your spouse;

Extra costs for food, clothing and other necessities;

The effect on you and your studies if your family is not happy in Australia;

Whether your children will adjust to school in Australia;

Waiting lists for child care centres; and

Whether to come alone to Australia first and arrange things for your family or to all come at the same time.